Diego Maradona has said that Lionel Messi is "not guilty of anything" as Argentina face a potential first World Cup group-stage exit since 2002.
A 1-1 draw with Iceland in their Group D opener was followed by a shock 3-0 thumping at the hands of Croatia , meaning the two-time winners must beat Nigeria in their final match on Tuesday to have any chance of progressing.
Messi missed a second-half penalty in that draw with Iceland and cut an isolated figure as his side slumped to a heavy defeat in their second game.
The Barcelona star has come under criticism for his muted displays, but Maradona – who managed Messi at the 2010 World Cup – insists he is not responsible for Argentina's struggles.